Companion Care at Home
Companion care gives someone friendly company and a helping hand at home. A Care-on-Call caregiver spends time with them, shares activities they enjoy, goes along on errands and outings, and helps with meals and light chores around the house.
We provide non-medical care for adults 18 and older across California, with offices in San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco and Vacaville.
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What a companion caregiver does
Care starts with a care assessment of the person's routines, abilities, preferences and safety concerns, and we build the care plan around them. A caregiver:
Keeps them company with friendly conversation and activities they enjoy- Encourages them to stay active and engaged, at home and in the community
- Goes along on grocery shopping, pharmacy trips, appointments and personal errands
- Helps them get out to community activities and social outings
- Prepares meals to their preferences and dietary instructions, and helps at mealtimes when needed
- Helps with laundry, bed linens, dishes and tidying the rooms they use most
- Gives medication reminders on the schedule set by the client, family or doctor
- Steadies them when walking, around the home and on outings
Care-on-Call provides non-medical care. We don't provide skilled nursing, medical treatment, physical therapy or other clinical services.
Who companion care is for
- An older adult who lives alone and would like company and help with the day
- Someone who can't easily get out on their own and wants company on errands, appointments and outings
- Someone home from the hospital or after surgery who needs a hand around the house for a while
- An adult with a developmental or physical disability who wants support to take part in community activities
- A family that wants someone with their loved one while they are at work or away
Visits and schedules
Companion care can be occasional or daily. Visits start at four hours, which gives the caregiver time for real company and help rather than a quick check-in, and 8- and 12-hour shifts are available for longer days.
As needs change, the care plan can add hands-on personal care, such as help with bathing and dressing, or more hours, up to 24-hour care. We keep family members informed and involved along the way.
Schedules depend on the care assessment, location and caregiver availability.
Our caregivers
Care-on-Call is a California-licensed Home Care Organization regulated by the California Department of Social Services. Every caregiver is registered with the state's Home Care Aide Registry, has passed a fingerprint-based Live Scan background check and TB screening, and completes our training and orientation before working with clients.
We match each client with a caregiver based on their needs, schedule and personality, and we aim for the same caregiver each time so trust can build. If your regular caregiver is unavailable, we arrange a qualified replacement and let you know in advance. You can take part in choosing your caregiver and ask for a different one when needed.
Questions families ask
What is the difference between companion care and personal care?
Companion care is company and help around the house: conversation, activities, errands, outings, meals and light housekeeping. Personal care is hands-on help with bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting. Many people need some of both, and the care plan can include both.
How long is a visit?
Visits are at least four hours. Longer 8- and 12-hour shifts are available, and so is 24-hour care.
Will it be the same caregiver each time?
We aim to match each client with one regular caregiver, chosen with their needs, schedule and personality in mind, so trust and familiarity can build. If that caregiver is unavailable, we arrange a qualified replacement and let you know in advance. You can also ask for a different caregiver.
How much does companion care cost?
It depends on the help needed, the schedule and the number of hours. Starting hourly rates for each of our offices are on our cost page, and your final rate is set after an assessment. You can also call us; the consultation is free.
How do families pay for companion care?
Care-on-Call is mainly private pay. We accept eligible long-term care insurance and VA Aid & Attendance benefits, and can provide detailed invoices for reimbursement. We don't bill Medicare, Medi-Cal or IHSS for our standard home care.
How quickly can care start?
Often quickly, depending on location, caregiver availability and the schedule you need. Call us and we'll walk you through the next steps.
Call your nearest office
(408) 857-1872Talk to us about companion care
Tell us who needs company and help at home, and when care should start. The consultation is free.
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